-
Our Taekwondo Champion!
Languages International student Manuarii Bousquet took time out from studying in Auckland last week to complete in the Taekwondo New Zealand Open Championships. Manu overcame a foot injury in the final to win gold in the Under 74kgs Black Belt Senior category. His parents flew in from Tahiti to support Manu, who’s been doing Taekwondo since he was 5. His Taekwondo master in Tahiti recommended Sejong Taekwondo in Auckland, where he trains 3 times a week. “It’s a short bus ride from my homestay, which is great”, said Manu. "Before the finals I felt nervous and excited but I had a good coach. Now I've won I feel happy", he said. Manu is planning to keep studying hard at Languages International until September, to...
Read more... -
Workplace Literacy
Languages International are once again proud to be sponsoring the Industry Training Federation Workplace Literacy Forum later this year. The Industry Training Federation are leading the way in bringing the sector together and raising levels of literacy amongst the New Zealand workforce. Languages International are currently working in the healthcare, compliance and local government sectors. Information about the event can be found here . Category: News
Read more... -
Waitangi Day - school closed on Monday 6 Feb
Iconic NZ reggae band, Katchafire at Jambalaya 2008 Photo by elastic design Languages International is closed on Monday 6 February for Waitangi Day . If you are in Auckland on Monday and like reggae music, check out the Waitangi Day family celebrations in Manukau. (Note, it is an alcohol and smoke-free event.) Renowned NZ reggae band, Katchafire will be playing. If you're a reggae fan, make sure you hear them play live at least once while you're in NZ. If you are in Christchurch, see what's on here . Enjoy your long weekend, and we'll see you on Tuesday!
Read more... -
Chinese Lantern Festival: Don't miss it! This weekend in Auckland & next weekend in Christchurch
UPDATE: Here are some photos from the 2012 Lantern Festival in Albert Park. Auckland Lantern Festival 2011 by NUkiwi Auckland When: this weekend Friday - Sunday 3, 4 and 5 Feb, 5:00pm – 10:30pm Where: Albert Park, Auckland CBD (beside Languages International ) Admission : Free More information Christchurch When: next weekend Saturday and Sunday 11 & 12 Feb, 5:00pm – 10:00pm Where: Hagley Park North, Christchurch City Admission : Free More information There'll be: * huge, colourful lanterns * Chinese food * music, dance and martial arts Here are some photos' of last year's Lantern Festivals to give you an idea of what to expect....
Read more... -
Kite Day at New Brighton beach in Christchurch
The annual Tip Top Kite Day at New Brighton beach in Christchurch was held on Saturday. Each year thousands of people attend this event. See more photos of Kite Day on Facebook.
Read more... -
New & Free - Download the Christchurch & Canterbury chapter from the upcoming edition of Lonely Planet's NZ guidebook
Download Lonely Planet’s new Christchurch & Canterbury guide free. This chapter was researched in December 2011, and it will be included in the 16th edition of the NZ guidebook, to be published in September this year. However, you can download it now for free and get up-to-date information on what to do and where to eat, sleep and party in Christchurch and Canterbury. Download your free Lonely Planet Christchurch & Canterbury guide here .
Read more... -
Christchurch holds 1st annual New Zealand Sandcastle Competition
This weekend the 1st annual New Zealand Sandcastle Competition was held at New Brighton beach in Christchurch. 32 teams competed. Most of the teams were from New Zealand, but 2 of the teams were from the USA. The event was very popular. 12,000 people came to see the castles. See more photos in the slideshow below.
Read more... -
Happy Lunar New Year!
Happy Lunar New Year to all our students, partners and other friends around the world who are celebrating! May the year of the dragon bring you much happiness, good fortune and prosperity! Best wishes from all of us at Languages International! Who's in the photos? Photos 1 and 3 Back row, left to right: Peter (Assistant Director of Studies), Kate (Enrolments), Jessica (Student Services), Darren (CEO) Front row, left to right: Annie (Director of Studies), Shawneez (Accounts), Rie (Student Services), Hannah (Regional Marketing Manager China) Photo 2 Back row, left to right: Annie (Director of Studies), James (Social Programme Coordinator), Kate (Enrolments), Mark (Accountant), Darren (CEO) Front row, left to right: Shawneez...
Read more... -
Christmas at Languages International
Last week at Languages International Christchurch students and staff had a Christmas lunch. Here are some photos.
Read more... -
"NZ people are so kind that you feel really comfortable"
Languages International student, Ha Woon Lee from Korea is really happy to have chosen New Zealand as a place to study English . In the video above, she explains why. Video highlights: Ha Woon's first impression of Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city, that it's a friendly city. Ha Woon says that when you go abroad you can feel lonely because you are a stranger, but in NZ she didn't feel that. As soon as she arrived she felt like a "member of NZ"; she never felt feel like a stranger. She notes "NZ people are so kind that you feel really comfortable." Ha Woon is happy that during her 2-month stay at Languages International, she has improved her English a lot and met lots of friends from places like Switzerland, Germany and France. She likes NZ so much that she is...
Read more... -
New Zealand Ranked Best & Safest Place to Study English
Best Quality of Living Auckland is the best English-speaking city in the world to live in says Mercer . Every year, Mercer ranks the world’s major cities from best Quality of Living to lowest Quality of Living. For the past 3 years , Auckland was ranked 4th equal with Vancouver. However, in 2011 Vancouver has slipped back to 5th place, and Auckland is now ranked 3rd . (The top 2 cities are Vienna and Zurich, both German-speaking cities.) Georgina Harley at Mercer had this to say about New Zealand: “New Zealand cities consistently score highly on all liveability factors , providing expatriates with quality housing, excellent infrastructure, comprehensive health care, a wide selection of restaurants and other amenities , as well as a good education and...
Read more... -
Languages International Christchurch: Home Again!
Since the beginning of October, we have been back at 69 Worcester Boulevard , our Christchurch home. The building suffered some minor damage in the Christchurch earthquakes and has now been repaired and redecorated , so it looks better than ever! It has been inspected by three independent structural engineers and has been rated at well above the required standard for earthquake safety. Christchurch’s central city is coming back to life, with the exciting Pop Up Mall , a shopping zone made out of shipping containers, opening at the start of November. Public transport and other services are in full operation too, so the central city is once again a great place for students to come to. Our Christchurch school still has pretty low numbers at the moment – between 20...
Read more... -
New for 2012: Extension Classes
We’re offering two new courses in 2012 for students who want to increase their classroom contact hours: IELTS Extra – for students at intermediate level and above who want to really focus on IELTS in preparation for sitting the exam. Three times per week from 16.15 to 18.20 (on top of a full-time course, a total of 26 classroom hours per week). $120 per week plus $60 materials fee. Conversation Extra – for students at pre-intermediate level and above who are at Languages International for a short time and want to get as much speaking practice as possible. Two times per week from 16.15 to 18.20 (on top of a full-time course, a total of 24 classroom hours per week). $80 per week plus $20 materials fee. Category: News
Read more... -
TESOL/TKT Course: Exciting New Format
We are making some exciting changes to our popular and successful TESOL / TKT Course in 2012: 5-week format – in response to student feedback we’re adding an extra week to the course. TKT Practical – students can now choose to do the new Cambridge TKT Practical exam and get an extra certificate. Teaching real students – course participants will now have the opportunity to teach real students in their teaching practice. But we will continue to offer what has made the course a success for the past 14 years: Highly practical focus on classroom teaching Highly qualified, inspirational tutors Relevant language study sessions Thorough preparation for the TKT Modules Course fees: $2,500 TKT Modules (optional): $220 TKT Practical...
Read more... -
Christchurch's funky new CBD shopping centre: Cashel Mall
There is now a funky new shopping centre in Christchurch’s CBD. Just 5-minute’s walk from Languages International , you’ll find Cashel Mall. Hip and stylish Cashel Mall has been built with brightly coloured shipping containers . There are more than 30 businesses in the mall. You’ll find cafés, banking facilities and all sort of shops from high fashion to books. See inside one of the containers [ video link ] Photos by: America Holdene
Read more... -
LI Christchurch student runs Melbourne marathon
I have been studying English for 6 months in New Zealand and would like to be a nurse here. One of my hobbies is running because it makes me relax and gives me a positive way of thinking. After running, I can feel better and concentrate on my studies. Once or twice a week, I run in Hagley Park , which is near our school and a really beautiful park. I decided to join the Melbourne marathon with my running mates because we wanted to challenge our ability. This year, I couldn't practise a lot, so I joined the half marathon. despite the bad weather, I really enjoyed running with my friends, as the spectators encouraged us a lot. We promised to join the Sydney marathon next year! And I would really like to join the marathon. Written by: Natsuko Saito, a student...
Read more... -
HD's advanced class write about their NZ experiences so far...
We are practicing participle clauses in HD’s advanced class, and we have written this article about our first experience in New Zealand. When I arrived in Auckland, my aunt picked me up at the airport. The season in New Zealand was completely different to where I come from, so the weather was the opposite way around. I hadn’t been here before, so I didn’t know anything about the culture and the climate. Feeling a bit homesick but still excited, I went exploring the city. Feeling like a child going to school on her first day, I was stressed and nervous about meeting my new teachers and classmates. I met lots of different nationalities which I had never done before. If I hadn’t come to New Zealand I wouldn’t have made friends from different cultures....
Read more... -
Member of Parliament visits LI Christchurch
Last week, Languages International students in Christchurch had an opportunity to meet Brendon Burns, the Member of Parliament for Christchurch Central. Our students were able to ask Brendon some questions about the rebuilding of Christchurch's central business district, following the earthquakes that have hit the city over the last year. Thanks for coming to our school, Brendon, and giving our students the chance to ask some important questions!
Read more... -
Languages International Christchurch Home Again
Languages International Christchurch has moved back into our permanent premises at 69 Worcester Boulevard in the city centre. The photo above shows our heritage school building after the repairs. Because of minor earthquake damage to our building on 22 February and damage to other buildings nearby, we temporarily relocated to Merivale , outside the city centre. Classes are being taught in our Worcester Boulevard site again from today. To all our Christchurch students, enjoy your 1st day back in our usual building! Here is a news article about our move home: Heritage Building Among 1st to Reopen in CBD Press Release Written by Hannah Robinson at Languages International
Read more... -
What's on this week? (3 - 7 October 2011)
Here's what Languages International students can do on the Social Programme this week (3 - 7 October 2011.) In Christchurch , we have a fun-filled week to welcome you back to our permanent school building. There's coffee & chat, a rugby simulation at the Fan Zone, a Vietnamese dinner at a local restaurant and a photographic walk where you can see an outside exhibition of amazing photos of people and places from around the world. See this week's Social Programme activities for Christchurch. In Auckland, go on an Auckland highlights tour, attend the World Press Photo Exhibition, enjoy a pub trip. At the weekend, you can try out activities like surfing or winetasting, or you can take a trip to the Coromandel. See this week's Social...
Read more... -
What's on this week? (26 - 30 September 2011)
Here's what Languages International students can do on the Social Programme this week (26 - 30 September 2011.) In Christchurch this week, all the activities are free. We've got soccer, a movie, music and a tour of our permanent premises at 69 Worcester Boulevard. See this week's Social Programme activities for Christchurch. In Auckland, there's a pool competition, a trip to Karekare beach and an outing to the Ice Bar. At the weekend, you can try out activities like surfing, skiing and snowboarding, or you can take a trip to the Hobbiton or Rotorua, Taupo and Waitomo. See this week's Social Programme activities for Auckland.
Read more... -
What's on this week? (19 - 23 September 2011)
Here's what Languages International students can do on the Social Programme this week (19 - 23 September 2011.) In Christchurch the week starts off with 3 free activities. On Tuesday, you can see a movie. On Wednesday, you can play Wii Sport with Richard and your classmates. On Thursday, join Yukari for a presentation about the Japanese earthquake and Tsunami. On Friday, end the week with a horse trek in the beautiful New Zealand countryside. See this week's Social Programme activities for Christchurch. In Auckland on Wednesday, see the Rugby Photo Exhibition. On Thursday, play Laser Strike. On Friday, learn about and try some New Zealand beer at the NZ beer tasting activity. At the weekend, you can try out...
Read more... -
What's on this week? (12 - 16 September 2011)
The All Blacks: Don't miss NZ vs Japan this Friday Here's what Languages International students can do on the Social Programme this week (12 - 16 September 2011.) In Christchurch on Tuesday, you can see a movie. On Wednesday, you can play paintball with Richard and your classmates. On Thursday, test your general knowledge at the quiz afternoon with Sally. On Friday, don't miss the Rugby World Cup night. Join Richard for a drink and a chat at the Hagley Park Fan Zone . See this week's Social Programme activities for Christchurch. In Auckland on Wednesday, walk and talk in Devonport . On Thursday, have a free game of table tennis. Friday night is Korean BBQ night. We'll be eating at Faro , and at a discounted...
Read more... -
Party Time in Auckland - Rugby World Cup 2011 Opening Night
This Friday, you can attend a HUGE, free event on Auckland's waterfront. The event is to celebrate the opening of the 2011 Rugby World Cup . The 10-hour programme includes concerts by Kiwi music icons, the biggest fireworks and light ever show to be held in New Zealand, 20 waka (Maori canoes) and a mass haka by 600+ kaihoe (waka paddlers), and you can see the 1st rugby game (NZ vs Tonga) live on the big screens. 50,000 people are expected to attend, so the CBD will be very busy. There will be lots of traffic, and some roads will be closed to cars. Auckland Council recommends that people not attending the events go home by 3.30pm to avoid getting stuck in traffic. There will be bus and train changes on Friday too, so plan how you are going to get home...
Read more... -
What's on this week? (5 - 9 September 2011)
Here's what Languages International students can do on the Social Programme this week (5 - 9 September 2011.) In Christchurch , we have 3 free activities this week: a movie, touch rugby and a presentation on Malaysia. Then on Friday, you can join Greg for dinner at a local restaurant. See this week's Social Programme activities for Christchurch. In Auckland, all this week's activities are free. On Wednesday, you can play table tennis. On Thursday, you can visit the Auckland Art Gallery for its re-opening. On Friday, don't miss the Rugby World Cup opening concert . It starts at 4pm. Stream 3 afternoon classes will start and end early on Friday so that you can get to the waterfront in time. Your teachers will discuss this with you in class. This...
Read more...
